Rotator Cuff Surgery recovery

[MtnGoat]

Okay just putting this out here so if anyone is looking into surgery.

First off - Don't wait when you get injured, get it looked at. If your Team 18D tells you not to PT for XX Days or Months. Then during that time you need to go to the TMC and get into your Records. It will help you out when you get out. I lost over 4-5 months of info in medical records.

Second - I personally I wouldn't take the Steroid shots. 3 out of 5 guys that I know have had bad to horrible results to their shoulders after the fact (shots). Even after Surgery, so if its so bad that you need the cut, go for the Knife not the needle.

Third - Surgery was a breeze. The hard part was the 7-9 months of the military system of getting checked out to consulates for PT and surgery. Surgery was easy, I talked to the Surg Tech about getting a workout with my arm, then had to count to 5. I don't remember anything after counting 2.

Okay now for recovery-30 day convalescent leave.

Weeks one and two are ruff. Drugs are a great thing. I ate Percocet as they say; like Candy. I had two every 5-6 hours for about 9-10 days or so. Which my Doc said is the normal. No worries, yeah tell that to my liver. I would at least get a recliner chair, this is a must!! You just can't lay down in a bed after the surgery. Your arm is in a sling next to your side and any movement just kills you for about 4-6 days. I sleep in one to this day. I just, 2 days ago started to sleep in the bed, but I can't make it all night yet. I would also ask for a sleep aid for at least ten days, it up to you and your DOC. But they help.

Now everyone takes pain different, so this is just me.

One week I was in pain, Week two was better. PT for week one was basic movement of the shoulder area. They hurt the first couple of days but after 3-4 days your good and the pain is almost gone. Week two I started with overhead movements. All movements are aided and passive. Like its been said, you just can't lift anything more than 16 oz.

Weeks two and three your ten times better, your pretty much off the drugs. So your feeling a ton better, almost just like when you first got hurt.

Your going to be doing PT while your at home. So hopefully you have someone to help you out.

Take care hopefully this helps others.

[Firebeef]

if you have injured your shoulder/rotator cuff/bicep:

Like Goat said... if you can determine within a short amount of time that it will require surgery....don't put it off. Holistic healing, cherry bark tea and skunk grease may be nice for the gentry, but if you're a soldier or a person with an active lifestyle....AND... it's gonna boil down to surgery anyways...DON'T WAIT! You may have to fight with your command and the docs on this, but if they are tellin you its gonna come to surgery... let's get it on!

DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT. when it comes to disability claims, if it ain't written down in your med packet: it never happened. Period. End of conversation.

Follow all physical therapy advice TO THE T... that means for us guys: DON'T EMBELLISH (overdo) WHAT THE PT TELLS YA TO DO ! When it starts feelin better... don't go out and try to bench 225 just coz you used to bench 315. Realize that it's gonna take time, and in most likelyhood, you will be near 100% of your prior performance....but you WILL have deficits and minor reminders that near 100% is NOT 100%. Work hard, work smart, never quit.

Thanks, I'll call the doc tomorrow.

Good luck and heal up quickly!

Martin

Just thought I'd let you know that I went to the doc after the seminar this morning. The muscles and ligaments of the shoulder were hurt in an ackward motion (akin to arm pulled up high behind back, except by sticking it to the ground and rolling backwards). Fortunately, it is nothing serious nor permanent. The continued weakness and strange feeling was due to the body's response to this. Doc said that I can and should start working out immediately, which I have, and that I should start at about 30% of where I was before and steadily increase. In three weeks I can begin working to muscle failure and in around two months it should be all back to normal. In about a month the shoulders should be close to equal in strength.

I have stupidly waited for too long. A series of exercises that the Doc suggested were ones I had stopped doing because I thought it put too much strain on the shoulder.

Thanks again, well worth the visit. I defer to the expertise of smarter men than myself.

Martin

[MtnGoat]

Originally Posted by Martin

Just thought I'd let you know that I went to the doc after the seminar this morning. The muscles and ligaments of the shoulder were hurt in an ackward motion (akin to arm pulled up high behind back, except by sticking it to the ground and rolling backwards). Fortunately, it is nothing serious nor permanent. The continued weakness and strange feeling was due to the body's response to this. Doc said that I can and should start working out immediately, which I have, and that I should start at about 30% of where I was before and steadily increase. In three weeks I can begin working to muscle failure and in around two months it should be all back to normal. In about a month the shoulders should be close to equal in strength.

I have stupidly waited for too long. A series of exercises that the Doc suggested were ones I had stopped doing because I thought it put too much strain on the shoulder.

Well that's good, at least you went to get it checked out by a DOC. Your Doctor didn't send you to Physical Therapist (PT)? I know for mine the Doc had tried to work my "pain" away through PT workouts. I couldn't do most of them so thats when we did the surgery option. Its good to know that your shoulder is okay.

I go for my ORTHO DOC check up next week and my six week check up is coming up too. I'll post on what they say, so far I'm tracking great by all reports. All movements are fine and my PT DOC likes what she see's. I start more PT ROM next week, something called active agressive movements. My PT Asst did one minute of the "workout" Holy Sheets!! That stuff hurts!! I had to get on little white Prek Pill after that one.

Originally Posted by MtnGoat

Well that's good, at least you went to get it checked out by a DOC. Your Doctor didn't send you to Physical Therapist (PT)? I know for mine the Doc had tried to work my "pain" away through PT workouts. I couldn't do most of them so thats when we did the surgery option. Its good to know that your shoulder is okay.

I go for my ORTHO DOC check up next week and my six week check up is coming up too. I'll post on what they say, so far I'm tracking great by all reports. All movements are fine and my PT DOC likes what she see's. I start more PT ROM next week, something called active agressive movements. My PT Asst did one minute of the "workout" Holy Sheets!! That stuff hurts!! I had to get on little white Prek Pill after that one.

That's good to hear! Keep at it!

This was an orthopaedic that I saw. If you have any tips for exercises, I'm all ears! I did legs, lower back, abs, four exercises for shoulder ROM, and a short running stint today. Heading back to gym tomorrow. If you have a schedule that works, I would gladly take it (PM if you'd like, or here is ok). I am a little afraid of straining the muscle while running, though the short run today felt okay at all tempos, but it was the last thing of the pass. (pulled a muscle three weeks ago when doing a simple warmup jog, two weeks after injury)


Martin

[MtnGoat]

Okay I had a Supraspinatus full thickness tear and bicep tears repairs. I've been working extensive passive ROM and stretching for the past month plus. Instituting in-clinic ranging 2 wk for the last 2 wks. I have had some difficult to move my elbow (ER) outwards. I still have limited range on my movement. I have started on wk 5 to progress to a more aggressive ROM and started low-level strenghtening.

My last test for ROM is 160 degree on Flex with 110 degree Abd, 160 Deg scaption, and 60 Deg ER at 110 Deg Abd, 60 Deg IR at 90 Deg adb. I can lift my arm on its own (weight) to 60 Deg flex. Waiting out!!

I have moved onto moderately aggressive to assited passive aggressive shoulder ROM/MOBs/Chasing and active ROM in standing position. Home I'm doing passive stretching and active assited ROM.

I can teel you that I like what has be going on with my recovery. I have next to no pain. I can't lift anything still, well a small book or something.

The biggest thing I'm worried about is having to deploy prior to my "FULL" Recovery (6-8 month window). I would hate to tear or reinjury my shoulder prior to getting healed; or worse trying to lift something (M2/MK 19) and not being able to do it.
Since that is a fact I have started to do more of my PT "workouts" 3x Wk (M/T/TH) to get a better ROM. I've asked my OTHRO DOC and PT DOC if I could start some Cardio workouts too. PT DOC said yes on CARDIO on Stair and Elliptical machines. I'll find out tommorow from my OTHRO DOC what he thinks. So this week I started out a stair machine for 15 Mins and Eliptical for 15 Mins. I'll doing it 3x wk, PT DOC said we'll see on Friday if I can still do CARDIO. Shot out!!

Next week I'm to start the pullies with and without weights. Let see how that goes. I know my PT Asst - that gurl must be into MS/BS cause that chick brings tears to my eyes everytime I'm doing my aggressive ROM excerises. MAN it hurts!!

[MtnGoat]

Had a Check up yesterday.

My ROM is getting better, 175 degree on Flex with 125 degree Abd, 170 Deg scaption (pushing it DOC can get a 180), and 100 Deg ER at 135 Deg Abd, 90-100 (She did some pushing) Deg IR at 115 Deg adb.

Started THERBAND workouts last week, doing good with them. My Scapula is my biggest down fall. During my 8 wk recovery I was lifting my shoulder to make up for the loss is strength from the surgery. This is just a temporary effect, so everytime I lifted my arm for a workout. I would lift my shoulder up, so now I have developed different muscles. I do something like you trying to touch your shoulder to your ear while I lift my arm (hand) up. I have to think about NOT lifting my shoulder (scapula) and pushing the back side downward.

Firebeef - well I'm onto doing the Green and Purple Dumbbells Just got to love that. The THERBAND workout would give a "Burn" like I was working out (lifting) like I did a year ago. I woke up so sore the next day after my first time working it out. Now I do some at home and do a workout 2x WK, now I will be doing THERBAND and the weights. I running 1.5 to 2 Miles 3X WK, doing that in a whooping 18-26.5 Minutes. That's a kick in the ball when your use to a 11:30-12:20 2mile and 90/90 for an AFPT.

Next check up is 29 June 06.

[ccrn]

I wish you guys the best in your recoveries.

Hopefully you have a great therapist and are doing exactly what he or shes tells you-

[MtnGoat]

Originally Posted by ccrn

I wish you guys the best in your recoveries.

Hopefully you have a great therapist and are doing exactly what he or shes tells you-

Believe me CCRN I do EVERYTHING She tells me to do. On PT that is Thanks

[Firebeef]

well I'm onto doing the Green and Purple Dumbbells


Goat.... hang in there buddy!! Before ya know it, you'll be onto the really heavy 8 and 12 pounders!!! LOL. And someday again soon, you too will be liftin black weights!!! ok, so they'll be 20 and 25 #s and not the 50 and 75s you were hoisting before, but give it time! Glad you're healin up well bro.
be safe, train smart!!

[MtnGoat]

Originally Posted by Firebeef

well I'm onto doing the Green and Purple Dumbbells


Goat.... hang in there buddy!! Before ya know it, you'll be onto the really heavy 8 and 12 pounders!!! LOL.

Today I tried to lift the green (2#) laying on my stomach with my arms in a "T", "I", and "Y". I couldn't do it. So no weights. That sucks - but like a friend told me. "brother your on a road that will try around Two years to get back to lift like you did before"

Yeah Yeah I know. Thanks for the word Firebeef - Ski one last one for me if you can.

[Firebeef]

I think A basin closes this weekend, so the skiing I got is the skiing you get. Hang in there brother. The orange and blue weights are only around the corner!!

D

[x SF med]

MtnGoat-
Stick with the program the Doc put you on, push yourself, but if it hurts, STOP, I made that mistake while I was getting PT for a knee injury, I set myself back abot 4 weeks by trying to be an ironman - crossed that fine line between hard and stupid - and paid for it. Good luck with the recovery.

[MtnGoat]

Originally Posted by x_sf_med

Stick with the program the Doc put you on, push yourself, but if it hurts, STOP, I made that mistake while I was getting PT for a knee injury, I set myself back abot 4 weeks by trying to be an ironman - crossed that fine line between hard and stupid - and paid for it. Good luck with the recovery.

Thanks......X_SF_Med I'm doing just that

Update, Had a check up today for the old' Cuff.

Everything is going well, I continue to improve as planned and at time ahead of schedule too. I have pain with ROM, Particularly with transitioning between motion. I.E.: Mvnt from hand downward to my hand over my head. Even unweighted.

My Test & Measures:

ROM: Flex Active is 165 Deg, Passive 180 Deg, Ext Rotation @ 90 Deg @ the Neutral Position (Arm Next to Body) is at 60 DEG. When my arm is moved upward on a table, Flex Active (@ about a 45 Deg Angle of the Biceps) I'm @ a 75 to 80 Deg ROM. Internal ROM @ 90 Deg Abduction 50 Deg, Abduction ROM 140 Deg.

All well exceeded the Goals set from last update report. So that was good news from both of us. DOC like what she is seeing. Within 3 mos I should have a full ROM as normal. Let see.

Started Sports Clinic this week. 2x WK for strengthening and Dynamic stability training. CARDO is Jumping rope and Rowing machine.

I work daily with an @ HEP with dumbbells with Flex Active and Abduction ROM exercises. Basically something like lateral Dumbbell raises.

Started back to full runs 3-5 miles 3x WK, no treadmills that is. I can start back with rucking, 35# starting with 3 miles. Work up as body allows - PAIN level.

Pain is weakness leaving the body, Countered by PERCOCET.